Albert D. Bowman, 72

Albert D. “Dave” Bowman, 72, of Columbia City, died at 6:55 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010 at the Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where he was admitted Friday. He had been in failing health for the past year.

He was born Dec. 30, 1937 in Hillsdale County, Mich., a son of Merrill and Carrie Inez (Brown) Bowman. He graduated from North Adams High School in 1955 and received an associates degree from Michigan State University.

A United States Marine veteran, he was employed in various manufacturing and managerial positions in Michigan, Kansas City, Arkansas and California. In 1983 he moved to Columbia City and began his employment at Reelcraft until his retirement in 1998.

On Jan. 21, 2000 he was united in marriage to Karen Friend. They have always made their home in Columbia City.

He was a lifetime member of Columbia City B.P.O.E. 1417, Power & Sail Squadron Club of Fort Wayne, Society of Manufacturing Engineers and past commander of Columbia City Moose Lodge.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Karen; three daughters, Terry Vits, Jerri Shank and Lorri McCoy; two stepchildren, Christi (Scott) Elsten and Cory (Valerie) Friend; two grandchildren, Julian and Hannah; four stepgrandchildren, Addison, Ryan, Logan and Ava; his mother, Inez Bowman of North Adams, Mich.; and two sisters, Ina Marie Alley and Patricia Coman.

His father preceded him in death.

The funeral service will be held at noon Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

The Columbia City Elks Lodge 1417 will conduct a twilight service at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home or Humane Society of Whitley County.